AUSTIN — April 22, 2013 — In celebration of Earth Day 2013, the Propane Council of Texas is challenging fleets across the state to support clean air by switching to propane autogas. Operating vehicles on American-made autogas is cost effective and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fuels like gasoline and diesel.

“Because making environmentally conscious choices is important to Texas businesses and government organizations, we want to make more of them aware that propane autogas is the most viable clean fuel on the market,” said Jackie Mason, Education and Marketing Director of the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT). “Not only does fueling vehicles and lawn equipment with autogas benefit the air quality in our Texas communities; but because propane autogas is domestically produced, it contributes to a stronger and more sustainable economy.”

More than 18 million vehicles worldwide run on propane autogas, making it the most widely used alternative fuel in the world. Fleets that convert vehicles to autogas save between 30 and 50 percent on fuel costs, and many fleets also report reduced maintenance needs and extended engine life. Listed as a clean alternative fuel in the Clean Air Act of 1990, propane autogas produces lower total well-to-wheel emissions than gasoline, diesel and even electricity.

Propane autogas is widely available throughout Texas, with more than 700 autogas fueling stations across the state. Texas propane-powered fleets include small and large businesses, airports, taxi services, state and local governments, and 75 school districts across the Lone Star State, from small school districts in East Texas to larger ones in major metropolitan areas. Dallas County Schools, the largest autogas school bus fleet in Texas, has utilized autogas for nearly 20 years and saves about $1.5 million in fuel costs annually.

Propane Autogas: Fueling Texas is a public awareness campaign that educates Texans about the benefits of running fleet vehicles and equipment on clean-burning propane autogas. The campaign features a series of statewide autogas presentations and road shows to provide fleet operators, drivers and community members a hands-on experience with clean autogas technology. To find out more about propane autogas, visit FuelingTexas.com.

About the Propane Council of Texas

The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 dedicated to educating the public and the propane industry on safety and on the newest clean-burning propane technologies. ProCOT is the state entity that represents the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), which was authorized by the U.S. Congress with the passage of the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA) of 1996. The program is funded with check-off funds from the propane industry and goes to fund several safety programs, as well as the commercialization of new propane technology. Visit www.procot.org for more information.